Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a just four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.

His six-game scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Purple Patch?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

International Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."